Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"I’ve just read your book . . ."

Candice, a reader from Sydney, writes:

I’ve just read your book, and wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed it. It’s great!

I had read some of the reviews on the internet, and was expecting it to be a tough read since I recall some people had used the word “frustrating” a couple of times to describe it. But I didn’t find it frustrating at all—perhaps because I was expecting it. I knew that it was not going to be a conventional novel, so I approached the book with patience and little expectation of actually enjoying it (sorry!).

But this just freed me to really appreciate all the descriptions you so wonderfully wrote and the journey as presented in each chapter—and what a great journey each chapter was! I actually didn’t want the chapters to end because I enjoyed being a fly on the wall of each experience so much. I particularly liked the way you described light, especially in the chapters about “The Driver” (I saw that dark road so well!) and “The Musician.”

I also liked the way you wove the train motif through the book. Did this represent the way significant events/experiences weave their way into all aspects of life and maybe carry us on a journey (not always of our choosing) to certain destinations? At least, that’s what I got out of it!

As for the ending, it’s very good – and, for me, made even more so because it was all based on a true account (that this was someone’s real life makes it all the more profound!). It also invites me back to read the book again (and I’ve never read a book twice!) to put the pieces together.

I just thought I’d share some of my thoughts with you because, if I’d written a book, I’d want to know what others thought!

Well done, Nathan, on a great story and a good book. Can’t wait for the next one!

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About Me

Nathan Brown is a writer and editor, based just out of Melbourne, Australia. He has degrees in law, literature and English. He has also worked as a freelance writer and is working on a number of other book projects.